Jackson Still Wary Of Celtics

March 13, 1992|By Melissa Isaacson.

The Bulls` 34-point victory over the Celtics Wednesday night was their third straight win over Boston this season, their biggest margin of victory against the Celtics and Boston`s worst loss of the season. But coach Phil Jackson was not ready to say the Bulls have control over their Atlantic Division foes.

``We have a game left with them in April and at that time, we`ll see if that holds true after our fourth meeting,`` he said. ``Right at this time, we`ve won by a considerable amount of points in the first three contests (the Bulls have won by margins of 19, 22 and 34 points).

``Quickness, activity on the court and the confidence with which this team goes after the Celtics has certainly come into play.``

Michael Jordan insisted the Bulls will not take the Celtics lightly if the two teams should meet in the playoffs.

``Just like Detroit, even if they`ve changed players and they`re not on top of their division anymore,`` he said, ``playing them in the playoffs, you`ve got to give them respect because they`ve been there before and they have the caliber of player who can respond.``

Sun beckons: The Bulls embark on a six-day, four-game trip in which they will play Orlando Saturday night, followed by Miami, New Jersey and Washington.

``This eastern trip is important to us because we`ve achieved a great road record (best in the league at 24-8) and this is a four-in-a-row situation where we have an opportunity to stay on a roll,`` Jackson said.

``We have a little winning streak going for us right now and if we continue, it would make a great finish to a great season. This is the last time we`ll have more than two games (on the road), so it`s important for us.

``After this March snow, it will be nice to go down South and maybe see some sun and warm weather. Spring is just a robin to us.``

Not that again: The Bulls led by 24 points at the end of the first quarter Wednesday, which once again brought questions after the game about the 22-point lead which they lost in their defeat against Indiana a little more than a week ago.

``Whenever we get a big lead, the Indiana game is always in the back of our minds,`` said Horace Grant. ``That got away from us and we`re not going to let that happen again.``